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If Jude Bellingham wants to force his way into the English strongest team, it would be smart to cut out the dramatics. The way he reacted after noticing that the substitute board was going up after an evening of inconsistency in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not overstate it but I hold to my words 'attitude matters' and respect for the squad members who substitute on," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you must accept them when you're on the field."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no need for an outburst. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it England leading by two in a dead rubber qualifier, with only six minutes remaining and Bellingham, after a below-par performance, was just shown a yellow for fouling an opponent. It was not a controversial substitution. In fact it would have been unwise for the head coach to not substitute him considering there was a chance he would make himself ineligible of the initial fixture of the World Cup by getting a second caution.

Drawing Attention on Himself

Yet Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s disappointment when he clocked that his replacement was ready for a teammate. His arms went up in exasperation and even though he shook Tuchel’s hand while heading to the sideline it was clear that the head coach was displeased.

This is the challenge that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded Rashford for delivering the cross for the captain to nod home his second of the night, but everything else was harmful to his cause. It's not like arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has repeatedly emphasized following squad protocols and the value of showing proper conduct.

In the Spotlight

He, omitted from last month’s squad, has faced close inspection upon his return to the fold in the current camp. Essentially his place has been in question and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to being taken off as the national team completed a perfect qualifying campaign by defeating a tough opposition from the Albanian team.

The System and the Setup

This implies opinions are divided on whether the team operate most effectively including Bellingham. The evidence here was open to interpretation. Some new ideas were tested by the coach early on. He has given the squad organization and direction lately, using a No 6, a box-to-box player, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel against Albania. Quansah was made his England debut, the midfielder was in the starting lineup for England and the use of the defender as a makeshift midfielder created a passing resemblance to Manchester City’s 2023 treble winners.

Inconsistent Display

His performance was inconsistent. He created an opportunity for Eze during the second half but frequently appeared too desperate to impress. Several hurried and errant passes. A pointless clash with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. England were ragged for much of the second half. A scoring chance for the opponents followed Bellingham squandered possession. The yellow card came after an opponent took the ball by Broja and brought down Broja.

Squad Strength Shows

Ultimately the squad's strength proved crucial. Tuchel introduced Foden, who seemed more comfortable to the spot in which Bellingham operated earlier in the match, and Bukayo Saka. Later Saka delivered a set-piece for the captain to score the first goal. It was a reminder that corners and free-kicks will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The quality of Rashford's cross for Kane’s header was a little lost amid the drama of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, all eyes were on the midfielder. Tuchel walked up to his side and pushed Bellingham towards the travelling England fans. Their connection remains intact. Tuchel hasn't decided to abandon him at this stage. Yet whether he is willing to grant him a starring role is still uncertain.